Rep. Joseph Solomon

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Rhode Island's estate and transfer tax laws to increase the exemption threshold for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2025. Under the new provision, a tax will only be imposed if a resident or nonresident decedent's net taxable estate exceeds four million dollars. The legislation also establishes a mechanism to annually adjust the state's specific tax credit starting in 2026 based on the Consumer Price Index.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates the North Kingstown High School team and their coach, Susan Erikson, for winning first place at the 41st Rhode Island Academic Decathlon in March 2024. The resolution recognizes the team's achievement in a statewide competition that tests high school students on subjects ranging from science and math to art and speech, noting that North Kingstown also earned the right to represent Rhode Island in the national contest. By passing this measure, the House of Representatives expresses official praise for the student athletes and their coach, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the coach.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors and celebrates Armed Forces Day on May 18, 2024, in Rhode Island. It acknowledges the service and sacrifices of all members of the U.S. military, including active and reserve personnel across various branches. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to the Rhode Island Adjutant General to formally recognize the occasion.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to design and install safety barriers or netting on the Mount Hope, Claiborne Pell, and Jamestown Verrazzano Bridges. The legislation sets a specific timeline requiring the authority to submit design plans to state finance committees by January 1, 2025, and to begin construction no later than August 1, 2025. By establishing these deadlines, the act aims to ensure that safety improvements are planned and implemented on these major crossings within a defined period.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Rhode Island Auditor General to conduct an audit of Medicaid programs run by managed care organizations to check if they offer better savings, access, and health outcomes than a state-run system. If the audit finds that a state-run program would be superior, the bill directs officials to create a plan to switch to that model within two years. The proposed state-run system would also require managed care companies to spend at least 90% of their revenue on medical care rather than administrative costs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Auditor General and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-day sales tax holiday on August 10 and 11, 2024, allowing consumers to purchase certain items without paying sales tax. The tax break applies only to nonbusiness retail sales of tangible personal property, excluding specific goods like tobacco, fuel, electricity, vehicles, meals, and any single item priced over $2,500. While vendors do not need to collect sales tax on these qualifying purchases during the holiday, they must still file regular tax returns and report the sales. The bill also requires the state revenue director to report the amount of tax revenue forgone and file a detailed report with the legislature by the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates May 2024 as "Rhode Island Pharmacy Advocacy Month" within the state. It aims to recognize the contributions of over 6,000 licensed pharmacy professionals and highlight their role in improving patient care and public health. The resolution encourages citizens, healthcare workers, and organizations to participate in events that promote the importance of pharmacists in the healthcare system. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

Maddy summaryHB 7435 creates a new legal framework to regulate pet insurance policies sold to residents of the state. The bill requires insurers to clearly define key terms like preexisting conditions and chronic illnesses within their policies and make these definitions easily accessible online. It mandates that companies disclose specific details about coverage limits, exclusions, and how premiums or benefits might change based on a pet's history or age. Additionally, the law grants consumers a fifteen-day "free look" period to review and return a policy for a full refund if they are not satisfied, provided no claims have been filed. This legislation applies to any pet insurance offered or delivered in the state, superseding general insurance laws with these specific consumer protections.

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals, corporations, and political action committees from distributing deceptive synthetic media, such as AI-generated images or videos of candidates, within 90 days of an election. The law requires creators to clearly disclose that any manipulated media is artificial, with specific rules for how these warnings must appear in visual or audio formats. While the ban applies to most deceptive content, it includes exceptions for bona fide news reporting, satire, parody, and certain online platforms. Candidates whose images are used in violation of these rules can seek legal relief and damages from the creators responsible.